Buy? Nikon 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G

sierng · 11-19-2009, 08:19 AM

Hey everyone!

I'm buying a second hand Nikon d90 tomorrow and the guy is offering a Nikon 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G lens for $100AUS. I was wondering if it is worth buying this lens or is the money better invested elsewhere? e.g to get a sturdier tripod or whatever? I've read reviews online and I'm getting the impression that its an alright lens but its nothing great.

I am pretty much confirmed on buying the bottom two lens:

Tamron DI 90mm f 2.8
Nikon 50mm f 1.8D

sierng · 11-19-2009, 11:35 AM

I'm just gonna hold on to my money now and invest in something better in the future.

BJMRGTIVR6 · 11-19-2009, 12:52 PM

it would be nice to have a telephoto/zoom lens though.

Gadget · 11-19-2009, 01:24 PM

Like you said, nothing great; but not a bad lens to have around for a low price.

Even with the other two prime lenses you listed, you might still find the 28-80 useful. I'd offer him $50 for it along with the camera. It was probably the kit lens when he bought it anyway.

BJMRGTIVR6 · 11-19-2009, 02:11 PM

Offer $50 if no budge, $75 is fine. if the seller does drop to $75 after you say 50, that should be fine.

sierng · 11-19-2009, 07:31 PM

i'll offer $50. If he doesn't budge I'll raise the stakes to $50 , 2 buttons, and a cola!
Most people like cola.

CCericola · 11-19-2009, 08:57 PM

I've had nothing but bad experiences with Tamron glass. I avoid their lenses like the plague

sierng · 11-20-2009, 07:25 AM

Has it got something to do with quality control? That's what I've heard about third party lenses. (Don't know how true it is or not).
However, I have read a lot of good reviews on the Tamron 90 mm DI 2.8 Macro, and the photos that come from it look great! I know the lens is a little loud but I'm not at the rank of ninja photographer assasin - yet.

**Tyger** · 11-20-2009, 11:03 PM

I'm not a Nikon owner but I know for a fact the 2 lenses you mention are very good. The 50mm 1.8 makes a great portrait and street lens, but don't forget that at 50mm x 1.6 (I think that's Nikon's crop factor?) crop factor will bring you to 80mm and the same for the 90mm Tamron. No big deal. I like prime lenses for their speed and it forces you to learn to zoom with your lens. Always good to have a decent zoom as well. Learn with the primes and if the need comes for a zoom you could always save for a decent zoom lens in the range you require.

The Tamron 90mm Macro is a highly regarded lens and takes great macro shots...again can be used for portraits. Find out if it's still under warranty, their warranty period is something like 6yrs. I have a Tamron 28-75mm, works great as a street lens and it's my go to lens for studio photography. Another great Tamron Zoom is the 17-50mm 2.8. For the price, they are hard to beat!

Do a search on pbase.com for these lenses to see some examples.

Tamron and Sigma offer long warranty periods because of past QA issues, it's really hit and miss, but I know many who love their Tammy's!

Have fun with your new gear!

Ned · 11-21-2009, 01:50 AM

I'd say to forget the zoom for sure, then pick up at least the Nikkor 50mm prime and add the Tamron 90mm prime if you can afford it (shouldn't be too much extra). You don't need cheap glass like the Nikkor 28-80mm, and if you've got two primes in 50mm and 90mm, you've got that range covered. Save your money for something you can really use.